Papua New Guinea | Ceremonial Bone Dagger | Tribal Artifact with Cowrie Shell & Hair | Circa 19th Century

$1,250.00
$1,250.00
Free Worldwide Shipping on all orders
19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
Sepik River ceremonial dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, and human hair, left-angled view showcasing facial details and tribal motifs.
Front view of 19th-century Papua New Guinea bone dagger featuring anthropomorphic carved head, cowrie shells, and ritual hair adornment.
Full-length Sepik River bone dagger on display stand, highlighting carved motifs, anthropomorphic head, and ceremonial patina.
Side profile of Sepik River ceremonial dagger showing elongated bone blade, human hair detailing, and raised tribal carving patterns.
Rear view of Papua New Guinea ancestral head carving on ceremonial dagger, displaying aged patina and traditional hair binding.
Full-length rear view of Sepik River bone dagger with carved motifs, showing patina, cowrie shells, and traditional Sepik craftsmanship.
Video of Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger showing carved ancestral head, cowrie shells, tribal motifs, and human hair used in ritual craftsmanship.
  • 19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
  • 19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
  • 19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
  • Sepik River ceremonial dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, and human hair, left-angled view showcasing facial details and tribal motifs.
  • Front view of 19th-century Papua New Guinea bone dagger featuring anthropomorphic carved head, cowrie shells, and ritual hair adornment.
  • Full-length Sepik River bone dagger on display stand, highlighting carved motifs, anthropomorphic head, and ceremonial patina.
  • Side profile of Sepik River ceremonial dagger showing elongated bone blade, human hair detailing, and raised tribal carving patterns.
  • Rear view of Papua New Guinea ancestral head carving on ceremonial dagger, displaying aged patina and traditional hair binding.
  • Full-length rear view of Sepik River bone dagger with carved motifs, showing patina, cowrie shells, and traditional Sepik craftsmanship.
  • Video of Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger showing carved ancestral head, cowrie shells, tribal motifs, and human hair used in ritual craftsmanship.
19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
Sepik River ceremonial dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, and human hair, left-angled view showcasing facial details and tribal motifs.
Front view of 19th-century Papua New Guinea bone dagger featuring anthropomorphic carved head, cowrie shells, and ritual hair adornment.
Full-length Sepik River bone dagger on display stand, highlighting carved motifs, anthropomorphic head, and ceremonial patina.
Side profile of Sepik River ceremonial dagger showing elongated bone blade, human hair detailing, and raised tribal carving patterns.
Rear view of Papua New Guinea ancestral head carving on ceremonial dagger, displaying aged patina and traditional hair binding.
Full-length rear view of Sepik River bone dagger with carved motifs, showing patina, cowrie shells, and traditional Sepik craftsmanship.
Video of Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger showing carved ancestral head, cowrie shells, tribal motifs, and human hair used in ritual craftsmanship.

Papua New Guinea | Ceremonial Bone Dagger | Tribal Artifact with Cowrie Shell & Hair | Circa 19th Century

Description
More Less

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Material: Bone with cowrie shell inlays, human hair, and carved decoration
Period: 19th Century CE

Description
This rare ceremonial dagger from the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea embodies the deep spiritual traditions and artistic mastery of its people. Hand-carved from dense bone and adorned with cowrie shells, human hair, and intricate tribal motifs, the dagger served not only as a weapon but as a sacred object used in ceremonies and initiation rites. Its anthropomorphic head carving symbolizes ancestral spirits, connecting the bearer to lineage, protection, and tribal identity.

Features

- Carved anthropomorphic head representing ancestral spirits or deities

- Cowrie shell inlays symbolizing fertility, wealth, and spiritual connection

- Human hair adornment, signifying lineage and protective power

- Hand-carved geometric tribal motifs, reflecting ritualistic iconography

- Dense bone construction with aged surface patina confirming authenticity

Cultural Significance
Among the Sepik River tribes, ceremonial daggers were imbued with spiritual energy and ancestral presence. They were used in initiation rites, tribal rituals, and at times in combat, acting as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. Human hair details and carved ancestral imagery made such objects rare and powerful, serving as tangible connections to heritage and tribal cosmology. This dagger reflects both the sacred role of ritual artifacts and the artistry of Sepik craftsmanship, considered among the most revered in Oceania.

Condition
The dagger is well-preserved with natural patina and minor wear consistent with age and ceremonial use. The carved details, cowrie shell inlays, and hair adornment remain intact, affirming its rarity and cultural importance.

Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 14 in

Age
19th Century CE

Learn More

Explore more ritual objects and cultural artifacts in our Ethnographic Relics: Cultural Artifacts Collection.

Read from Our Blog: Papua New Guinea Ceremonial Bone Dagger – A Tribal Masterpiece

Learn about the craftsmanship and meaning behind Sepik bone daggers in New Guinea Bone Daggers: Culture & Craft.

See a museum example of similar ceremonial weapons in Iatmul Dagger – Sepik River Ritual Art.

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Material: Bone with cowrie shell inlays, human hair, and carved decoration
Period: 19th Century CE

Description
This rare ceremonial dagger from the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea embodies the deep spiritual traditions and artistic mastery of its people. Hand-carved from dense bone and adorned with cowrie shells, human hair, and intricate tribal motifs, the dagger served not only as a weapon but as a sacred object used in ceremonies and initiation rites. Its anthropomorphic head carving symbolizes ancestral spirits, connecting the bearer to lineage, protection, and tribal identity.

Features

- Carved anthropomorphic head representing ancestral spirits or deities

- Cowrie shell inlays symbolizing fertility, wealth, and spiritual connection

- Human hair adornment, signifying lineage and protective power

- Hand-carved geometric tribal motifs, reflecting ritualistic iconography

- Dense bone construction with aged surface patina confirming authenticity

Cultural Significance
Among the Sepik River tribes, ceremonial daggers were imbued with spiritual energy and ancestral presence. They were used in initiation rites, tribal rituals, and at times in combat, acting as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. Human hair details and carved ancestral imagery made such objects rare and powerful, serving as tangible connections to heritage and tribal cosmology. This dagger reflects both the sacred role of ritual artifacts and the artistry of Sepik craftsmanship, considered among the most revered in Oceania.

Condition
The dagger is well-preserved with natural patina and minor wear consistent with age and ceremonial use. The carved details, cowrie shell inlays, and hair adornment remain intact, affirming its rarity and cultural importance.

Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 14 in

Age
19th Century CE

Learn More

Explore more ritual objects and cultural artifacts in our Ethnographic Relics: Cultural Artifacts Collection.

Read from Our Blog: Papua New Guinea Ceremonial Bone Dagger – A Tribal Masterpiece

Learn about the craftsmanship and meaning behind Sepik bone daggers in New Guinea Bone Daggers: Culture & Craft.

See a museum example of similar ceremonial weapons in Iatmul Dagger – Sepik River Ritual Art.

You May Also Like